Agonis flexuosa Aftershock ['AF09'] PP 26,020 (Aftershock Peppermint Tree) - A vigorous compact selection of the West Australian willow myrtle that grows to around 8 to 10 feet tall by 5 to 7 feet wide but can be trimmed to be kept narrower and lower. It has new growth in spring that emerge in hues of lime to yellow-green then auburn and maturing to a deep maroon and small white flowers with burgundy centers that appear in clusters from spring into early summer. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil with regular to occasional watering - moderately drought tolerant along the coast once established but is more lush with occasional deep irrigation. Frost hardiness, although not documented, should be similar to the species with some tip damage possible below 28° F and stem damage at temperatures between 20-25° F. Tolerates windy and seaside conditions. This plant should be a great plant for a container or garden specimen and with its dense growth will likely prove useful as a colorful hedge. There are several interpretations for how the name Agonis is derived. One interpretation is that the genus is named from the Greek word 'agonos' which is a combination of 'a' for "not" and 'gonia' for "angle" meaning "without angles" in reference to soft drooping branches of some species while others believe it is from the Greek word 'agon' meaning "a gathering" or "a cluster" in reference to the arrangement of the fruit. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word 'flexuos' meaning "bending" or "curvy" in reference to the way the branches arch gracefully. This selection was a seedling selection made by Greg Lowe, James Koppman and Jacqueline Koppman. The Koppmans are the registered Breeders Rights owners of the popular Agonis 'Jervis Bay Afterdark' and the foliage color is the same on these two plants but Aftershock was selected because it is a shorter plant with leaves about half the size as Afterdark with internode spacing much tighter (1/3 that of Afterdark), making it more of a dense shrub form. This plant first released in 2013 received US Plant Patent 26,020 in October 2015 and is marketed in the US by Dig Plant Company.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Agonis Aftershock ['AF09'] PP 26,020.